[... Wake up, Kirito, wake up!]
Asuna's wailing barely pulled me back to reality. The pain that ran through my head made me prop up my upper body with a straight face.
[Pain, pain, pain…]
He looked around and realized that this was the leader's room. There were still remnants of blue light dancing in the air. It seems that I only lost consciousness for a few seconds.
Asuna squatted on the ground and brought her face close to my eyes. She could be seen frowning deeply and biting her lips as if she was about to cry.
[Idiot…!] What a mess…!"
As she called out, she quickly wrapped her arms around my neck. I was so scared by this sudden situation that I forgot my headache and could only blink my eyes.
"…If you hold me so tightly, my HP will completely disappear.」
He said this in a joking tone, but Asuna's face showed a real angry expression after hearing it. Then, my mouth was stuffed with a small bottle. The liquid that flowed into his mouth tasted like green tea mixed with lemon juice. It was a high-level recovery potion. In this way, his HP would be fully recovered after five minutes, but the fatigue in his body should not be so easy to eliminate.
After Asuna confirmed that I had finished the potion in the bottle, her face began to twist. In order to hide her expression, she leaned her forehead on my shoulder.
When I heard footsteps, I looked up and saw Klein say to me with some apprehension,
" The surviving soldiers have recovered, but Kobarts and two other guys have unfortunately died..."
[…I see. "The last time there was a sacrifice in the boss battle was on the 67th checkpoint…"
[This is not a strategy at all. That bastard Kobarts... what's the use of a dead man?.."
Klein shook his head and sighed deeply. Then, as if he wanted to change his mood, he asked me,
[Speaking of which, what technique was that?]」
[... Can I not say it?]
[Of course not. I've never seen such sword skills!]」
It was only then that I realized that everyone in the room was silent, waiting for me to speak, except for Asuna.
[…It's a special skill. It's called the 'Two-Blade Rage'."
" Oh, oh…" Exclamations came from the survivors of the army and Klein's companions.
All kinds of weapon skills were usually learned step by step according to a certain order of cultivation. Using the sword as an example, after the basic single-handed sword skill had grown to a certain level and met certain conditions, the menu would open up the options of " rapier " or " two-handed sword."
Klein looked very interested and immediately asked,"
[What, what are the conditions for appearance?]
[If I knew, I would have made it public.]
Facing me, who was shaking my head, the swordmaster replied in a low voice,"You're right."
Some people said that weapon skills that appeared under unknown conditions might be determined by random numbers, which was why they were called special skills. Klein, who is now beside me, also has one of his special skills. However, the broadsword skill was not that rare. As long as he continued to cultivate the curved sword, there was a high chance that it would appear.
For example, out of the dozen or so special skills known to date, at least ten people have successfully learned them. Only my " Two-Blade Style " and another man's skills have not been like this.
These two skills should only have one master each, so they could be called " Unique Skills." Up until now, I had been hiding my Two-Blade Style skill, but from today onwards, the news that I was the second person to possess a unique skill would probably spread throughout the streets and alleys. After all, he had already used it in front of so many people, so he could not hide it anymore.
[Really, Kirito, you're too polite.] You hid such a powerful skill from me.」
[If I knew how to make the skill appear, I wouldn't have hidden it. But to be honest, even I don't understand what's going on.」
Faced with Klein's complaints, I could only shrug my shoulders and reply.
What I said was not false at all. One day a year ago, when I casually looked at the window, the name " Two-Blade Style " had already appeared. He had no idea what the conditions were.
After that, I would choose a place with no signs of human habitation when I practiced the Two-Blade Style. After almost completely learning it, he would only use the Two-Blade Style in an emergency situation when he was facing monsters alone. Other than treating this skill as a life-saving treasure in times of danger, he really did not like to attract attention because of this skill.
I even hoped that there would be a second sword user other than me, but things didn't go as I wished.
I used my fingertips to scratch around my ears and continued to whisper,
[... If people find out that I have such a rare skill, not only will they keep asking me questions... but they will also bring a lot of trouble, so...]
Klein nodded deeply.
[Online gamers are easily jealous of others. A magnanimous person like me wouldn't do that, but I do have a lot of small noses and small eyes. Plus…"
After saying this, he shut his mouth, but he looked at Asuna, who was hugging my body tightly, with a meaningful gaze. Then, he smiled at me.
"Hmm... you should treat the hard work that you will be doing next as part of your cultivation. Work hard, young man.」
[Stop talking nonsense…]
Klein bent down and patted me on the shoulder, then turned around and walked towards the survivors of the " army."
"Can you guys go back to the headquarters by yourselves?」
One of them, who looked to be in his teens, nodded and replied,
[Yes. That…That…Thank you.」
"He should be the one you should thank.」
Klein pointed his thumb in their direction. The army players staggered to their feet and bowed deeply to Asuna and I before leaving the room. As soon as they reached the corridor, they took out their crystals and left.
After the blue light disappeared, Klein placed his hands on his hips, ready for the next step.
"We're planning to go directly to the 75th floor's teleportation gate to get it to work. Do you want to come? You're the hero today. Do you want to start it?」
[No, I'll leave it to you.] I'm too tired."
[I see. Be careful on your way back…"
Klein nodded and greeted his companion. Then, the six of them walked towards a door in the depths of the room. There should be a staircase leading to the upper floor on the other side of the door. The sword messenger stopped in front of the door and turned around slightly to say to me,
[That…Kirito.] When you rushed in to help the army…"
[... How is it?]
"Me…How should I put it? I'm really happy. That's all I have to say. Goodbye.」
She really didn't know what he was talking about. Klein gave me a thumbs up before opening the door and disappearing with his companions.
Asuna and I were the only ones left in the spacious room. The blue flames spewing out from the floor had somehow quieted down, and the demonic aura that engulfed the entire room had disappeared without a trace. The surroundings were filled with the same soft light as the corridor, and there were no traces of the deathmatch on the floor.
I said to Asuna, who was still leaning on my shoulder,"
[Hey... Asuna...]
"... I'm so scared... I'm thinking... what if you die..."
Her trembling voice carried a weakness that had never been heard before.
"... You still dare to say that you were the one who rushed in first.」
I placed my hand on Asuna's shoulder as I spoke. Although touching her without any scruples like this could be mistaken as sexual harassment, now was not the time to think so much.
I gently pulled her over, and a weak voice that was almost inaudible came from my right ear.
[I won't be joining the guild for the time being.]
"No, I'm not going... Why?」
[... Didn't I say that I wanted to team up with you temporarily... Have you forgotten?]」
The moment he heard this…
There was actually a strong desire in the depths of my heart that made me jump in shock.
I, the solo player Kirito, am a person who forsakes all other players in order to survive in this world. He was the coward who had abandoned his only friend and left heartlessly two years ago, the day everything began.
I don't even have the right to have a companion like this, let alone an existence that's more intimate than a companion.
I should have learned this from my painful experience. I've already made a solemn vow not to make the same mistake again. I won't expect to win other people's hearts anymore.
But…
My stiff left hand couldn't leave Asuna's shoulder. They just couldn't leave the imaginary body temperature that came from touching each other.
With great contradiction, hesitation, and another inexplicable emotion, I replied briefly,
[... Alright then.]
Asuna, who was leaning on my shoulder, nodded.
The next day.
I've been hiding on the second floor of Ajir's grocery store since morning. She sank into the rocking chair, crossing her legs in an unhappy mood as she sipped the strange-tasting tea. I think this tea should be a bad stock in the shop.
The entire Argert-no, probably the entire Aingrund-was discussing yesterday's " incident."
Originally, the completion of the floor strategy and the opening of the transfer gate to the new town were already topics of conversation. Now, there were several more topics of conversation. For example," the demon that wiped out a huge army "," the 50-hit combo of the Nito-Ryu Envoy when he defeated the demon alone ", etc. The whole thing was exaggerated.
I don't know where they got the news from, but some swordsmen and information dealers came to my place early in the morning, forcing me to use the crystal to escape.
[I have to move…to a village in the countryside where no one can find me…]
Aguirre smiled as he walked over to me, who was still nagging.
"Aiya, don't say that. It's not bad to be a celebrity occasionally. Oh right, should he give a speech? Leave the venue and tickets to me…"
[Who wants to do it!]
I shouted and aimed the cup in my right hand at a spot 50cm to the right of Aguirre. However, the habitual action triggered the flying sword skill. The shining cup flew out at an extremely fast speed and hit the wall with a loud sound.
Fortunately, the building itself was an indestructible object, so only the system label of " ImmortalObject " appeared in front of him. If it had hit the furniture, it would have been shattered long ago.
[Woah, are you trying to kill me!]
The shop owner shouted exaggeratedly. I could only raise my right hand and make an apologetic gesture before sinking back into the chair.
Aguirre is currently appraising the treasure I obtained from yesterday's battle. Judging from the strange sounds he made from time to time, she knew that there should be many valuable items inside.
He had planned to split the profits with Asuna, but she still hadn't appeared after the agreed time. I've already sent her a friend message, so she should already know that I'm here…
Yesterday, we said goodbye to each other in front of the transfer gate on the main street of the 74th floor. Asuna expressed that she would go to the guild to apply for a vacation, and then she set off for Grantham on the 55th floor. Due to the incident with Kradil, I originally proposed to travel with her. However, she smiled and said that it was no problem, so I had no choice but to give up on the idea.
It was already two hours past the agreed time. It's so late and she hasn't appeared yet. Could something have happened? He should have insisted on traveling with her. In order to suppress the uneasiness in my heart, I drank the tea in one gulp.
When I finished drinking the tea in the teapot in front of me and Ajir was almost done with his appraisal, I finally heard the sound of footsteps climbing up the stairs. Then, the door was quickly opened.
[Hi, Asuna...]
I swallowed the words that almost escaped my mouth,"Why are you so late?" Asuna, who was wearing her usual uniform, looked pale and her big eyes were filled with uneasiness. She clenched her hands in front of her chest and bit her lips two or three times before she said as if she was about to cry,
" What should we do... Kirito... things have gotten out of hand..."
After drinking the freshly brewed tea in one gulp, Asuna, whose face had finally regained some color, began to explain the situation bit by bit. At this moment, Ajir, who knew how to read people's expressions, had already left and went to the shop on the first floor.
" Yesterday…I returned to Grantham's guild headquarters and reported everything that happened to the Guild Leader. After I reported that I wanted to suspend my activities in the guild, I went home first…I thought that my application would be approved at the regular meeting this morning…"
Asuna, who was sitting opposite me, lowered her head and held the teacup with both hands.
" In the end, the leader... said that he would allow me to leave the party for a while, but on one condition... the condition is... I want to fight you once..."
[What…]
I couldn't understand what Asuna was saying. Fight…does that mean you want to fight me? Asuna wanted to leave the guild temporarily, so why did it become a duel with me?
After raising this question…
[I don't know either…]
Asuna looked at the ground and shook her head.
" I've tried my best to convince him that there's no point in doing so... but he won't listen no matter what..."
[But…this is really rare.] That man actually proposed such a condition…"
His figure appeared in my mind as I spoke.
[Exactly. The Guild Leader usually leaves all the matters regarding the floor raiding to us, let alone the Guild's activities. He has never given any orders. But I don't know why this time..."
Although the commander of KO B had used his overwhelming charisma to control the hearts of his guild and even the entire strategy team, surprisingly, he had never given any instructions or orders. I had fought alongside him a few times during the battle of the leaders. His silence and silent support of the front line was truly admirable.
This man actually objected to Asuna's application this time, and the content was to challenge me. What was going on?
Although I was puzzled, I still said this to reassure Asuna,"
"... Anyway, I'll make a trip to Grantham. I'll talk to him directly."
" Um... I'm really sorry. I always give you trouble…"
"I'm willing to do anything. Because you are me…"
Asuna kept staring at me, who had fallen silent as she searched for the appropriate term.
[An important strategy partner…]
Although she pouted a little unhappily, Asuna finally smiled.
The strongest man, living legend, paladin, and so on were given the title of the guild leader of the Blood Alliance Knights. It could be said that there were countless of them on one hand.
His name was Heathcliff. Before my " Two-Blade Style " skill spread through the streets, he was already known as the only one with a unique skill among the approximately 6,000 players.
Using a cross-shaped sword and shield, the name of the skill that could be used to attack and defend freely was " Holy Sword." I've seen this skill a few times around him, and it's especially worth mentioning its defense. It was said that no one had ever seen his HP fall into the yellow zone. During the battle of the 50th checkpoint, where there were many casualties, he alone held on for 10 minutes against the almost collapsing front line, and this story was still talked about today.
No weapon could pierce through Heathcliffe's shield.
This was one of the laws that everyone believed in the most.
Coming to the 55th checkpoint with Asuna, I felt an indescribable nervousness. Of course, I didn't plan on fighting with Heavenscliffe. His only goal was to ask him to let Asuna leave the guild temporarily.
The main street area of the 55th floor, Grantham City, also known as the " City of Iron ". The reason for its name was that unlike other towns, which were mostly built of stone, the main buildings of this town, the huge spires, were all built of steel that flickered with black light. Although many players had settled down here due to the flourishing smelting and gold carving techniques, the streets had no trees at all. In this autumn season, it gave people the impression that the wind was particularly cold.
We crossed the portal square and walked on a wide road that was connected by washed steel plates and fixed with nails. Asuna's footsteps were heavy, probably because she was worried about what would happen next.
After walking for about ten minutes between the rows of spires, a taller spires appeared in front of them. There were many silver spears protruding from the huge door, and the red cross flag on the white background was blown everywhere by the cold wind. This was the headquarters of the Blood Alliance Knights.
Asuna stopped a little in front of me and looked up at the steeple.
" In the past, the headquarters was located in a very small house in a rural town on the 39th floor. Everyone complained that it was too narrow. I'm not saying that it's not a good thing for the guild to develop…but this town is too cold, I don't like it…"
"Then hurry up and settle the matter. Go and eat something hot.」
[Really. You only think about eating."
Asuna smiled as she raised her left hand and gently held my right fingertip. She didn't even look at me, whose heart was pounding. She maintained this position for a few seconds, then said," Okay, charging is complete." She let go of her hand and walked toward the minaret. I hurriedly followed behind her.
After climbing up the wide stairs, there was a door that was open on both sides, but there were heavily armored guards equipped with long spears standing on both sides. Asuna walked toward the door while making the cleats on her boots clack. The guards raised their spears and saluted her when they saw her.
[Thank you for your hard work.]
Whether it was the way she raised one hand in return or the way she walked with vigor, it was hard to believe that she was the same girl who was depressed in Aijil's shop an hour ago. I followed Asuna timidly, passing the guards and entering the tower.
The tower was made of black steel like the street. The first floor was a rather transparent hall, and there was no one inside.
While feeling that the building was colder than the streets, he walked past the intricate mosaic-like floor made of all kinds of metals and a huge spiral staircase appeared in front of him.
There was a metallic clatter as we climbed the stairs. At this height, people with lower muscle strength would definitely be exhausted halfway. After passing through several doors, just as I was thinking about how high I had to climb, Asuna finally stopped in front of a cold steel door.
[Is this the place...?]
[Hmm…]
Asuna nodded listlessly. Then, as if she had finally made up her mind, she reached out her right hand and knocked on the door. Then, without waiting for the person inside to answer, she pushed the door open. The large amount of light that leaked out from the door made my eyes narrow.
Inside was a circular room that used the entire floor of the tower. The walls were all transparent glass. The gray light coming in through the glass gave the whole room the same color.
There was a huge semi-circular table in the middle of the room, and a few men were sitting on five-legged chairs opposite the table. I have never seen the four people on the left and right, but I will never mistake the person sitting in the middle. It was the Paladin Heavencliffe.
He didn't look oppressive at all. He should be around 25 years old. He had a pointy, scholarly face. His iron-gray hair hung down on his forehead. His tall but slightly thin body was wrapped in a loose red robe. He looked more like a mage who did not exist in this world than a swordsman.
However, the most unique thing about him was his eyes. The unbelievable brass pupils emitted a strong magnetism, making those who confronted him feel timid. Although this wasn't the first time I saw him, I had already lost in terms of aura.
Asuna walked to the table and bowed to him.
[I'm here to say goodbye to you.]
After hearing her words, Heathcliffe smiled bitterly and said,"
" Don't jump to conclusions so quickly. Let me talk to him."
After saying that, he stared at me. So I took off my hat and walked over to Asuna.
[This is the first time I'm meeting you outside of a boss battle.] Kirito."
[No... I spoke to you a few times during the 67th checkpoint strategy meeting.」
Naturally, she answered his question in a respectful tone.
Heathcliffe nodded lightly and put his thin palms together on the table.
" That was a really tough battle. Our guild also almost had a sacrifice. Although we are known as the strongest guild, we still often feel that our combat power is insufficient. And now you're actually preparing to take away the important main players in our guild--"
[If you really value her, you should be more careful in choosing your guards.」
Hearing my sharp answer, the man sitting on the right side of the table with a straight face immediately changed his expression and prepared to stand up. Heathcliffe gently stopped him with his hand and said,"
" I've already ordered Kratyll to reflect on his mistakes at home. I apologize for troubling you. However, we can't let you take the vice commander away so easily. Kirito-"
Heathcliffe stared intently at them. His metallic eyes emitted a strong will.
"If you want to take Asuna away, you'll have to rely on your sword. Use your 'Two-Blade Ryu' to take her away. If you win, you can take Asuna away. However, if you lose to me, you will have to join the Blood Alliance Knights.」
「…………」
I feel like I understand this mysterious man's thoughts a little.
It turned out that this man was also deeply fascinated by sword fights. Moreover, he had absolute confidence in his skills. Even though he was trapped in this game of death, he still couldn't give up his pride as a gamer. He was really hopeless. In other words, he and I are the same kind of people.
After listening to what Heathcliffe said, Asuna, who had been silent until now, could not help but say,"
[Leader, I'm not saying that I want to leave the guild. He just wanted to leave for a while to think about some things.」
I placed my hand on Asuna's shoulder, who was about to continue speaking, and took a step forward, directly receiving Heavencliffe's gaze from the front. Then, as if it was semi-automatic, it said,
[Alright then. If you really want to see the truth, then let's fight to determine who's better.」
[Really-! You idiot, idiot, idiot!"
The scene returned to Argert, on the second floor of Egil's shop. After kicking the shopkeeper, who poked his head out to confirm the situation, down the stairs, I tried my best to comfort Asuna.
[I tried my best to convince him, but you agreed to a duel!」
Asuna leaned slightly against the armrest of the rocking chair I was sitting on and kept hitting me with her small fists.
[It's my fault. It's all my fault, okay?!] I couldn't stand the provocation and blurted it out..."
He grabbed her fist and gently squeezed it. She finally calmed down, but she puffed up her cheeks toot. Her current appearance was too different from her in the guild. I had to work very hard to suppress my laughter.
" No problem. I chose the one-hit rule, so there won't be any danger. Besides, I might not lose…"
[Oh ~~]
Sitting on the armrest with her long legs crossed, Asuna said in a low voice,"
"…When I saw Kirito's 'Nito-Ryu' earlier, I really felt that it was the strength of another dimension. However, it was the same for the leader's 'Holy Sword'…that person's strength could be said to have surpassed the balance of the game. To be honest, I really don't know which side will win... but what about you? If I lose, I won't be able to take a break, but even you, Kirito, will have to join KO.」
"Actually, if we change our way of thinking, we can achieve our goal this way.」
"Eh? Why?"
I tried to open my stiff mouth to answer her.
"Well, as for me, as long as…as long as Asuna is here, it doesn't matter even if I join the guild.」
If it was in the past, I wouldn't have said such words even if I were beaten to death. Asuna's eyes instantly widened, and her face soon turned as red as a ripe apple. Then, for some reason, she got down from the chair with a puffed up face and walked to the window.
I could hear Argert's lively noises under the setting sun as he walked past Asuna, who had her back to me.
What he said was the truth, although he was still a little resistant to joining the guild. Thinking about the guild that I once joined but no longer existed, it made me feel a sharp pain in my heart.
Aiya, I won't lose so easily anyway…I muttered to myself as I left the chair and walked over to Asuna's side. Soon, Asuna's head rested gently on my shoulder.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。